Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DENTAL HYGIENE SYSTEMS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.
15/096,489,
entitled "DENTAL HYGIENE SYSTEMS," filed on April 12, 2016, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/147,036, entitled
"DENTAL
HYGIENE SYSTEMS," filed on April 14, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present invention relates to dental hygiene systems.
BACKGROUND
[003] Poor dental hygiene can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and/or bad
breath. Local
formation of acidic organic compounds by cariogenic bacteria has been
determined to be
an important mechanism of dental cavity formation by acid-dissolution of tooth
structure.
In addition, consumption of many pigmented foods can cause staining of teeth.
Consequently, people use toothpastes, sonic toothbrushes, mouthwashes,
bleaching
agents, and other dental products seeking better dental hygiene and whiter
teeth.
However, many products contain undesirable compounds that may be harmful to
your
health (e.g., antibiotics such as triclosan, harsh bleaching agents that can
erode enamel)
or compounds that a person may not desire to use (e.g., alcohol).
SUMMARY
[004] In various implementations, a dental hygiene system may include a dental
powder. The dental hygiene system may whiten teeth, reduce cavities by
reducing the
amount of harmful bacteria present in a mouth, improve mouth health, and/or
improve
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user health, in some implementations. The dental powder may include an antacid
powder. In some implementations, the dental powder may include one or more
basic
mineral salts that include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and/or
other similar
compounds. For example, the dental powder may include dolomite, a natural
occurring
mineral containing these salts, and/or predetermined combinations of calcium
carbonate
and/or magnesium carbonate (e.g., isolated calcium carbonate and/or isolated
magnesium
carbonate). The dental powder may include one or more probiotics, in some
implementations. The dental powder may be applied to (e.g., brushed onto) at
least a
portion of the teeth and/or at least a portion of the gums of a user's mouth.
In some
implementations, the dental powder may be administered by mixing the dental
powder in
a hydrating solution (e.g., water) to allow a user to swish and/or swallow the
dental
powder solution. The dental powder solution administration may provide an
antacid
mechanism (e.g., in the region of the teeth and/or gums) and/or provide
nutritional
supplementation (e.g., calcium and/or magnesium).
[005] In various implementations, a dental hygiene system may include a dental
powder. The dental powder may include one or more probiotics and a first
compound,
which includes calcium.
[006] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The
dental
powder may include a second compound, and wherein the second compound
comprises
magnesium. The first compound may include magnesium. The dental powder may
include a second compound, which includes fluoride. In some implementations,
the
dental powder may include zinc citrate, potassium nitrate, strontium chloride,
pyrophosphate, silica abrasive, aluminum oxide, phosphate salts, foaming
agent, xylitol,
flavoring agent, and/or color additive. In some implementations, the dental
powder may
be granular. The average particle size of the dental powder may be between
approximately 10 microns and approximately 300 microns. One or more of the
probiotic
may include a Lactobacillus species and/or a non-pathogenic Streptococci
species. The
dental powder may include a weight percentage of fat less than 5% of total
dental powder
weight, a weight percentage of protein less than 5% of total dental powder
weight, and/or
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a weight percentage of carbohydrate less than 5% of total dental powder
weight. The
dental hygiene system may include an applicator. The dental powder may be
applied to
the applicator, and the applicator may apply the dental powder to one or more
of a user's
teeth. The dental hygiene system may include a hydrating agent.
[007] In various implementations, a dental hygiene system may include a dental
powder. The dental powder may include a first composition. The first
composition may
include calcium and magnesium. The ratio of calcium (e.g., isolated calcium)
to
magnesium (e.g., isolated magnesium) in the first composition may be
approximately 1:1
to approximately 2:1. The first composition may have a basic pH. The dental
powder
may be applied to one or more of a user's teeth during application.
[008] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The
dental
hygiene system may include a solid bar that includes the dental powder. The
dental
powder may be distributed in the bar such that at least a portion of the
dental powder may
contact a user's tooth when the bar is rubbed against the user's tooth. The
dental powder
may include one or more second compositions. The second composition(s) may
include
zinc citrate, potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, pyrophosphates, silica
abrasive,
aluminum oxide, phosphate salts, foaming agent, xylitol, flavoring agent,
and/or color
additive. The dental powder may be granular. The average particle size of the
dental
powder may be approximately 10 microns to approximately 100 microns. The
dental
powder and/or the hydrating agent may include bismuth subsalicylate.
[009] In various implementations, a dental hygiene system may include a dental
powder comprising one or more probiotics, an applicator; and a hydrating
agent.
[010] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The
dental
powder may be consumable (e.g., by a user). The hydrating agent may at least
partially
revive one or more of the probiotics in the dental powder. The dental powder
may
include granules (e.g., the probiotic(s), first composition, second
composition, and/or
other compositions may be granular). The granules may at least partially
abrade one or
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more surfaces of a tooth during application of the dental powder to a user's
teeth. The
dental hygiene system may include a paste, and the paste may include the
dental powder.
The probiotic(s) may promote health flora in a user's mouth after application
of the
dental hygiene system. The dental powder and/or the hydrating agent may
include
bismuth subsalicylate.
[011] In various implementations, the dental hygiene system may include
administration
of bismuth subsalicylate to treat periodontitis (e.g., to reduce inflammation,
bacteria
growth, and/or bone loss associated with periodontitis). The dental hygiene
system may
include a dental powder and/or hydrating agent that includes bismuth
subsalicylate.
[012] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The
dental
powder may include bismuth subsalicylate. The dental powder may include a
first
composition that includes calcium and/or magnesium; one or more probiotics;
and/or
third compounds. The dental powder may be granular. The bismuth subsalicylate
may
be administered via a hydrating agent (e.g., a mouth wash) prior to and/or
before
administration of a dental powder that includes a first composition that
includes calcium
and/or magnesium; probiotics; and/or third composition(s).
[013] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the
accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of
the
implementations will be apparent from the description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,
reference is
now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings, in which:
[015] Figure 1 illustrates an implementation of dental hygiene system.
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[016] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[017] In various implementations, a dental hygiene system may be utilized for
dental
hygiene. The dental hygiene system may include a dental powder. The dental
hygiene
system may include an applicator and the dental powder may be applied to the
applicator
(e.g., from a container) to use the dental hygiene system. The applicator may
be used to
apply the dental powder to at least a portion (e.g., a portion or all) of a
user's mouth (e.g.,
teeth and/or gums). In some implementations, using the dental hygiene system
may
improve dental hygiene, dental health (e.g., by inhibiting gingivitis,
treating periodontitis,
and/or inhibiting periodontitis), whiteness of the teeth, bad breath (e.g.,
due to halitosis),
and/or other dental properties (e.g., when compared to not using the dental
hygiene
system).
[018] In various implementations, the dental hygiene system may include a
dental
powder. The dental powder may include an antacid powder, in some
implementations.
The dental powder may have a basic pH. For example, the dental powder may have
a pH
of greater than 7 and less than 11. By utilizing a basic dental powder (e.g.,
a dental
powder with a basic pH), acidity in a user's mouth may be reduced. For
example, at least
a portion of the acidic compounds in a user's mouth maybe neutralized by
interaction
with the basic dental powder (e.g., brushing, swishing a dental powder
solution, or
otherwise applying). Reducing the acidity of a user's mouth may decrease
cavity
formation, inhibit at least a portion of the less healthful bacteria growth
(e.g., that cause
cavities and/or bad breath), reduce acid erosion of enamel and/or otherwise
improve
dental hygiene (e.g., when compared with not using the dental hygiene system).
[019] In various implementations, the dental powder may include one or more
compounds that include magnesium and/or calcium. The calcium may improve
dental
health (e.g., increase tooth strength and/or decrease tooth decay). The
magnesium may
decrease tooth decay, in some implementations. The dental powder may include a
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carbonate (e.g., magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and/or calcium
magnesium
carbonate). The dental powder may include a probiotic. In some
implementations, the
dental powder may include a first compound that includes both calcium and
magnesium.
For example, the dental powder may include dolomite. The dental powder may
include a
predetermined amount of calcium and/or magnesium. For example, a dental powder
may
include a predetermined ratio (e.g., approximately 1: approximately 1,
approximately 2:
approximately 1, and/or any other appropriate ratio) of isolated calcium and
isolated
magnesium. For example, the dental powder may include a first compound with a
stoichiometric ratio of approximately 1:1 to approximately 2:1 of calcium to
magnesium.
In some implementations, the dental powder may include a probiotic.
[020] In some implementations, the dental powder may include a combination
(e.g.,
composition) of one or more types of compounds. For example, the dental powder
may
include one or more first compounds (e.g., a first composition of one or more
first
compounds), one or more second compounds (e.g., a second composition of one or
more
second compounds), and/or one or more other compounds (e.g., other
compositions of
one or more other compounds). The first compound(s) may include one or more
compounds that include calcium and/or magnesium.
[021] The second compound(s) may include a calcium compound, a fluoride
compound,
a carbonate compound and/or a probiotic. For example, the dental powder may
include
dolomite, which includes calcium and magnesium, and calcium carbonate. The
dental
powder may include dolomite and a fluoride salt (e.g., sodium fluoride,
stannous
fluoride).
[022] In some implementations, the dental powder may include one or more third
compounds such as zinc citrate, potassium nitrate, strontium chloride,
pryrophosphates,
silica abrasives (e.g., dehydrated silica gels), aluminum oxides, phosphate
salts, glycerin,
foaming agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate),
xylitol,
flavoring agents, color additives, western medicinal herbs, eastern medicinal
herbs,
and/or any other appropriate compound. For example, one or more herbs (e.g.,
myrrh,
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chaparral, parsley oil, echinacea, goldenseal, xylitol, gotu kola, kola, other
appropriate
herbs, and/or combinations thereof) may be included in the third compounds to
reduce
odor (e.g., in the mouth), improve tissue health (e.g., when compared to not
using the
composition), improve mouth health (e.g., when compared to not using the
composition)
and/or provide antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, tissue healing, antibacterial,
and/or other
appropriate qualities to the dental powder. The quantity of the herbs (e.g.,
myrrh,
chaparral, parsley oil, echinacea, goldenseal, xylitol, gotu kola, kola, other
appropriate
herbs, and/or combinations thereof) administered may be an effective amount
for mouth
health. The quantity of these herbs administered may not exceed maximum daily
and/or
yearly amounts (e.g., as provided by the US FDA or other regulatory agency).
[023] In various implementations, the dental powder may include one or more
first
compounds, one or more second compounds, and/or one or more third compounds.
For
example, the dental powder may include dolomite and a probiotic. The dental
powder
may include dolomite, a probiotic, and a fluoride compound, in some
implementations.
The dental powder may include a probiotic and a flavoring agent, in some
implementations.
[024] In some implementations, the dental powder may include at least one
granular
compound. Utilizing a granular dental powder that includes calcium and/or
magnesium
may increase tooth whiteness (e.g., when compared with not using the dental
powder).
For example, the dental powder may include a granular first composition,
granular
second composition, and/or other granular compositions. The dental powder may
be a
mixture of the granular compositions. The dental powder may include mixture of
granular and finer particles. In some implementations, the one or more
compositions of
the dental powder may be processed (e.g., processed to form particles, mixed
with an
inert compound such as a binder to form granules, and/or any other appropriate
process)
to form a granular dental powder. The granular dental powder may include a
compound
with a granular size (e.g., average granular size) large enough to allow the
granules to
abrade at least a portion of a surface of a tooth and/or a granular size small
enough to
facilitate use by a user (e.g., if the granule size is too large then it may
be difficult to
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=
apply to an applicator and a tooth, if the granule size is too large it may
not provide
enough surface area to abrade the surface of a tooth, and/or if the granule
size is too small
the granule may fully dissolve in the presence of saliva). The granular dental
powder
may have a hardness that allows the dental powder to abrade at least a portion
of a
surface of a tooth (e.g., to remove stains) during application without
substantially
damaging the enamel of the tooth. The granular dental powder may include at
least one
compound with an average particle size between approximately 300 microns and
approximately 10 microns and/or any other appropriate particle size range. In
some
implementations, the granules in the dental powder may have an average
particle size less
than approximately 74 microns. In some implementations, the granules in the
dental
powder may have an average particle size of approximately 10 microns to
approximately
74 microns. For example, the dental powder may include granular dolomite. The
granular dolomite may have an average particle size less than approximately 44
microns.
In some implementations, the granular dental powder, such as granular
dolomite, may
have an average particle size of 5 microns to approximately 44 microns. The
granules in
the dental powder may abrade and/or at least partially remove stains from at
least a
portion of a surface of a tooth.
[025] In some implementations, the particles (e.g., dolomite) in the dental
powder may
at least partially dissolve when in contact with acidic conditions in the
mouth since the
particles (e.g., dolomite) may be basic. The abrasiveness and/or particle size
of the
particles (e.g., dolomite) on the tooth may then be decreased to inhibit
overabrasion of
the enamel of a tooth, in some implementations.
[026] In some implementations, the dental powder may have a granule size
(e.g.,
average particle size) to at least partially dissolve and/or mix with a
hydrating agent for
administration in a user's mouth. For example, the dental powder may be mixed
with a
hydrating agent, such as water, to form a dental powder solution. The granule
size of the
dental powder may be selected to that the dental powder may temporarily remain
suspended in the solution (e.g., the dental powder may not immediately sink to
the
bottom of a cup of dental powder solution), dissolve, and/or otherwise
facilitate the
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application of the dental powder solution in a mouth. For example, the dental
powder
may not fully dissolve in the hydrating agent to allow the dental powder to
abrade a
surface of a tooth during administration of the dental powder. In some
implementations,
the dental powder may dissolve in the hydrating agent and may not at least
partially
abrade a surface of the enamel of the tooth (e.g., when utilizing a dental
powder with
probiotics, bismuth subsalicylate, calcium, fluoride, etc.).
[027] In some implementations, the particles (e.g., dolomite) in the dental
powder may
at least partially dissolve in the presence of a hydrating agent applied to
the dental
powder. The abrasiveness of the particles of the dental powder on the tooth
may be
decreased at least partially dissolving the particles. In some
implementations, by at least
partially dissolving the particles in the dental powder in the hydrating
agent, the acidity
of the mouth may be decreased (e.g., when compared not dissolving the dental
powder).
[028] In some implementations, the dental powder may include a probiotic. The
probiotic may promote the growth of healthful bacteria (e.g., probiotic
bacteria) over less
healthful bacteria (e.g., that cause cavities and/or bad breath) in a user's
mouth. For
example, the probiotics in the dental powder may include live or dormant
healthful
bacteria that when present in internal body cavities of the body (e.g.,
intestinal tract, oral
cavity, and/or vagina) have been proven to overcome the growth of less
healthful bacteria
(e.g., anaerobic bacteria). Since the type of bacteria that metabolize saliva,
mucus, and
foodstuffs into odiferous aromatic compounds and/or damage a tooth may include
the
same or similar types of less healthful bacteria, the application of a
probiotic dental
powder may inhibit odor and/or cavities by allowing one of more of the
bacteria of the
probiotic bacteria to overcome the growth of the less healthful bacteria.
[0291 In some implementations, the probiotics in a dental powder may promote
the
growth of bacteria in a user's mouth that promotes dental hygiene. For
example, by
applying the dental powder to at least a portion of the mouth (e.g., gums
and/or teeth), the
user may deposit at least a portion of the probiotics from the dental powder
onto the teeth
and/or gums. In some implementations, at least a portion of a desiccated
dormant
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probiotic may be revived by rehydration from the saliva present in the user's
mouth. The
probiotics deposited in the mouth may grow (e.g., binary fission). As the
probiotics in
the mouth grow, other bacteria present in the area may exist in lower
magnitudes and/or
die (e.g., the colony may enter the death phase). When the previously existing
bacteria
are in lower magnitudes and/or die, dental hygiene (e.g., the probability of
cavities, bad
breath, gingivitis, and/or periodontitis) may be increased (e.g., when
compared with
dental hygiene without application of the dental powder).
[030] In some implementations, the probiotics utilized in the dental powder
may be
selected from a group of bacteria based on odor inhibiting criteria, cavity
fighting criteria,
gingivitis-preventing criteria, and/or periodonitis-preventing criteria. The
bacteria
selected may not produce common predetermined odor causing compounds in high
levels
(e.g., greater than 20%).
[031] In various implementations, the probiotic may include one or more
predetermined
strains of bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus species, non-pathogenic Streptococci).
In some
implementations, the organisms (e.g., bacteria) in the probiotic may be live,
dried, and/or
combinations thereof. The organisms in the probiotic may be similar or
identical to one
or more of the bacteria used in intestinal probiotic preparations, such as the
previously
mentioned Lactobacillus and Streptococci species. In some implementations, the
organism(s) selected for inclusion in the dental powder may be selected to be
similar to
that of bacteria present in a healthy mouth bacterial flora.
[032] In some implementations, the use of probiotic dental powder may improve
and/or
maintain healthy intestinal flora of a user since at least a portion of the
dental powder
may be consumed by the user during use. For example, when the dental powder is
applied to the teeth of a user using an applicator, at least a portion of the
dental powder
may mix with saliva in the mouth and may be consumed by the user. In some
implementations, the dental powder may be applied to a user by mixing the
dental
powder with water to create a dental powder solution. The dental powder
solution may
be gargled, swished, and/or otherwise moved around in a users mouth. At least
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of the dental powder solution may be consumed by the user, as the user swishes
the
dental powder solution. In some implementations, the dental powder solution
may be
consumed by the user after swishing the dental powder solution in the users
mouth.
[033] In some implementations, the dental powder may include a dried probiotic
(e.g.,
freeze dried). The dried probiotic may include dried bacteria. The dried
bacteria may
include dormant or inert bacteria. By utilizing dried probiotics, the shelf
life of the dental
hygiene system may be increased (e.g., when compared to using live probiotic).
When
the probiotics are utilized in live form in the dental hygiene system, the
number of
probiotic organisms may decrease overtime (e.g., due to reduction in nutrients
available
or other reason for entry into a death phase of a colony of organisms). Thus,
by utilizing
dried probiotics (e.g., bacteria), the number of probiotic organisms (e.g.,
bacteria) in the
dental hygiene system may be maintained at a higher level over time than when
utilizing
live probiotics.
[034] When dried probiotics are utilized in the dental powder, at least a
portion of the
dried probiotics may be activated (e.g., revived) prior to and/or during
application of the
probiotic in a user's mouth. For example, at least a portion of the dried
probiotic may be
hydrated prior to application in a user's mouth (e.g., when the dental powder
is applied as
a dental powder solution, and/or by the application of a hydrating agent to
the applicator
and/or dental powder). In some implementations, at least a portion of the
dried probiotic
may be hydrated by the saliva present in the user's mouth. When the dried
probiotic is
activated (e.g., revived), the probiotic may become live probiotic. For
example, when
dried bacteria in a dried probiotic are activated, at least a portion of the
dried bacteria
may be revived (e.g., return to a live state). When applied to a user's mouth,
the revived
bacteria may improve and/or maintain healthy flora in the user's mouth.
[035] In some implementations, the other compounds selected for inclusion in
the dental
powder may not substantially inhibit growth of the probiotic in the dental
hygiene system
and/or in a user. In some implementations, the other compounds may not include
fat(s),
protein(s), and/or carbohydrate(s) to inhibit the deodorant from fermenting,
or turning
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putrefactive or rancid, which may generate foul odor. In some implementations,
the other
compounds may not include a percentage by weight of fat(s), protein(s), and/or
carbohydrate(s) greater than 5% of total dental powder weight to inhibit the
dental
powder from turning fermenting, or turning putrefactive or rancid.
[036] In some implementations, the dental powder may include bismuth
subsalicylate
(e.g., with and/or without other described compounds including calcium,
magnesium,
probiotics and/or third compounds). Bismuth subsalicylate may be utilized to
treat and/or
inhibit periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that may occur
when
bacteria grow proximate teeth in a user's mouth. When the bismuth
subsalicylate is
applied (e.g., brushed) to a user's mouth or portions thereof the bismuth
subsalicylate
may act as an anti-inflammatory and/or exhibit antibiotic-like properties. For
example,
the bismuth may inhibit growth of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth that may
contribute to
periodontitis. The subsalicylate may act as an anti-inflammatory to treat
inflammation
caused by periodontitis, in some implementations.
[037] Administration of a dental powder that includes bismuth subsalicylate
may
improve and/or eliminate periodontitis. In some implementations, a dental
powder that
includes approximately 100 mg to approximately 750 mg of bismuth subsalicylate
may
be administered (e.g., applied to the user's mouth). For example, the dental
powder that
includes bismuth subsalicylate may be administered approximately 1 to 5 times
a day
(e.g., after meals, upon waking, before bed, etc.). In some implementations, a
dental
powder that includes approximately 200 mg to approximately 500 mg of bismuth
subsalicylate may be administered up to 5 times a day. The amount of bismuth
subsalicylate administered may not exceed approximately 2 grams daily, in some
implementations. In some implementations, a greater amount (e.g.,
approximately 5
grams/ day) may be administered via the dental powder, when the dental powder
is be
applied (e.g., brushed into teeth and/or gums; swished in a similar manner to
a mouth
wash) but not consumed. For example, since only a small amount of bismuth
subsalicylate may be adsorbed by the body and/or ingested while brushing, a
greater
amount than a maximum daily or yearly amount (e.g., based on US FDA
guidelines) may
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be administered to the user. In some implementations, the user may be
monitored (e.g.,
self and/or reportable monitoring) for tinnitus; and in the presence of
tinnitus, the
administration amount of bismuth subsalicylate may be reduced.
1038] Bismuth subsalicylate may be a powder that can be processed to form a
granular
dental powder, and/or mixed with other compounds in the dental powder to form
a
granular dental powder. In some implementations, the dental powder with
bismuth
subsalicylate may include other forms (e.g., gel, paste, liquid, etc.). In
some
implementations, the bismuth subsalicylate may be provided with or without
other
compositions in liquid form (e.g., mouthwash) for the user to swish and/or
gargle in the
user' mouth.
[039] The dental powder may include a first composition including calcium
and/or
magnesium; a second composition comprising probiotics; a third composition
comprising
bismuth subsalicylate; and/or other compositions (e.g., flavorings, etc.). For
example, the
dental powder may include dolomite and bismuth subsalicylate, in some
implementations. In some implementations, the dental powder may include
calcium,
magnesium, and/or probiotics and the bismuth subsalicylate may be provided
separately
as part of the dental hygiene system. For example, the bismuth subsalicylate
may be
provided in a hydrating agent used with the dental powder. In some
implementations, the
bismuth subsalicylate may be provided in a mouthwash to be administered before
or after
the dental powder application.
[040] The dental powder may include a first composition comprising calcium,
magnesium, and/or bismuth subsalicylate. For example, the dental powder may
include a
granular mixture of compounds that include calcium, magnesium, and/or bismuth
subsalicylate. The dental powder may be applied to the teeth and reduce
inflammation
and/or inhibit growth of one or more bacteria.
1041] In some implementations, the dental powder may include one or more
probiotics
and bismuth subsalicylate. The dental powder may include or may not calcium
and/or
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magnesium. A predetermined set of probiotics may be utilized that the bismuth
subsalicylate does not substantially harm. For example, the bismuth
subsalicylate may
have antibiotic-like features that harm some types of bacteria but do not
substantially
harm other types of bacteria. Thus, when the dental powder includes bismuth
subsalicylate and probiotics, one or more of the included probiotics may
include types of
bacteria that are not substantially harmed by the inclusion of bismuth
subsalicylate (e.g.,
the probiotics may promote growth of a healthy flora in a mouth even when
bismuth
subsalicylate is applied to the user' mouth).
[042] In some implementations, the dental powder may include dolomite and a
probiotic. In some implementations, the dental powder may include a probiotic
and not
include dolomite.
[043] In some implementations, at least a portion of the dental powder may be
included
in the dental hygiene system as paste (e.g., a moist substance such as a gel,
cream, liquid,
and/or other appropriate form). For example, dental powder may be combined
with one
or more hydrating agents and/or other compounds to form a paste. Providing the
dental
powder in paste form may ease the application of the dental powder to an
applicator (e.g.,
of the dental hygiene system) and/or to portions of a user's mouth. By
utilizing a
hydrating agent to form the paste, the hydrating agent may at least partially
hydrate and
thus revive probiotics, if present, in the dental powder. The hydrating agent
may include
water, in some implementations.
[044] In various implementations, the dental hygiene system may include an
applicator.
The applicator may be a toothbrush and/or other appropriate application tool
to apply the
dental powder (e.g., in powder foini and/or via a paste that includes the
dental powder) to
at least a portion of the mouth of a user. For example, the application tool
may include a
surface that retains at least a portion of the dental powder on the applicator
and allows
transfer of at least a portion of the dental powder to a user's mouth during
application. In
some implementations, a hydrating agent (e.g., water, toothpaste, etc.) may be
applied to
the applicator and then the dental powder is applied to the hydrating agent
(e.g., by
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CA 02927041 2016-04-13
sprinkling, dipping, etc.) on the applicator. The dental powder may stick or
otherwise
adhere to the hydrating agent. The application tool may include a container.
The
container may indicate (e.g., a level marker) a predeteimined quantity for a
single user of
the dental powder. Or the container may be a multi-vial combination container,
one
containing powder and the other a hydrating substance. A hydrating agent may
be added
to the container prior to applying the dental powder (e.g., gargling,
swishing, etc.). The
container may include markings to facilitate dosage of the dental powder
and/or
hydrating agents. In some implementations, a user may use one or more of the
user's
fingers as an applicator.
[0451 In some implementations, the dental powder (e.g., directly or indirectly
via a
paste) may be applied to the applicator. A user may apply the dental powder to
at least a
portion of the teeth and/or gums of a user using the applicator. The
applicator may be
provided with a dental hygiene kit and/or be an applicator that a user has
available (e.g., a
toothbrush). The applicator may stroke (e.g., rub, rotate, scrub, and/or
vibrate) the dental
powder (e.g., directly or via a paste) on teeth and/or gums. A user may move
the
applicator and/or the applicator may at least partially automatically stroke
(e.g., sonic
toothbrush, rotating head toothbrush, vibrating toothbrush, etc.) the teeth
and/or gums
during application. By stroking the teeth during application of the dental
powder, the
dental powder may at least partially abrade surfaces of the teeth and/or gums
to at least
partially remove food particles, bacteria, plaque, and/or stains. For example,
the dental
powder may include first compound(s) that include calcium and magnesium, such
as
granular dolomite. The granules of the first compounds may at least partially
abrade
surfaces of at least a portion of the teeth in a user's mouth to decrease the
appearance of
stains on the teeth (e.g., when compared with not using the dental powder with
the first
compounds). The granules of the first compound may interact with at least a
portion of
the acids present in a user's mouth to decrease the overall and/or local
acidity in the
user's mouth (e.g., by neutralizing at least a portion of the acids present in
the user's
mouth). In some implementations, the dental powder may include a probiotic and
by
stroking the teeth with the dental powder, the probiotic may be dispersed in
various
regions of the mouth.
= CA 02927041 2016-04-13
[046] In some implementations, the bismuth subsalicylate in the dental powder
may
decrease inflammation in the mouth. By stroking the teeth during application
of the
dental powder with bismuth subsalicylate, the bismuth subsalicylate may
decrease
inflammation in the mouth.
[047] In some implementations, a hydrating agent may be utilized to facilitate
adherence of the dental powder on an applicator. The hydrating agent may
include water,
toothpaste, mouthwash, and/or any other appropriate hydrating agent. The
hydrating
agent selected for use with the dental hygiene system may be based on the type
of dental
powder. For example, a mouthwash that may kill at least a portion of the
bacteria in the
mouth may be used as a hydrating agent for a dental powder that does not
include
probiotics (e.g., a dolomite dental powder). Water may be used as a hydrating
agent for a
dental powder that includes probiotics (e.g., to revive at least a portion of
the dried
bacteria in the probiotics, if present). In some implementations, saliva
present in the
mouth of a user may at least partially revive at least a portion of the dried
probiotic in a
probiotic dental powder.
[048] Applying the hydrating agent may revive organisms in the probiotic, in
some
implementations. By decreasing the amount of time between hydrating a dry
probiotic
and applying the probiotic to an area of the body, the amount of live
probiotic applied to
the body may be increased, in some implementations. Thus, in some
implementations, the
dental powder may include dried probiotics that are revived (e.g., by a user's
application
of a hydrating agent) prior to and/or during use.
[049] In some implementations, a hydrating agent may be applied to the
applicator (e.g.,
sprinkled onto an applicator, the applicator may be moistened by placing the
applicator
under a faucet of running water, etc.), and then dental powder may be applied
to the
applicator. The dental powder may be applied by sprinkling, pouring or
otherwise
applying the dental powder to the applicator. For example, the applicator may
be at least
partially hydrated (e.g., at least partially with water) prior to applying the
dental powder
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CA 02927041 2016-04-13
to the applicator. In some implementations, the applicator may be hydrated and
then
dipped into dental powder (e.g., disposed in a container). Hydrating the
applicator may
increase the adherence of the dental powder to the applicator (e.g., when
compared with
adherence of dental powder on a dry applicator).
[050] In some implementations, the dental powder may be in a hydrated form,
such as a
paste, in the dental hygiene system. The paste including the dental powder may
be
applied to the applicator (e.g., with or without application of a hydrating
agent on the
applicator). The applicator may stroke (e.g., by user action and/or
automatically) the
paste including the dental powder (e.g., directly or via a paste) on teeth
and/or gums. If
the dental powder in the paste includes granules, by stroking the teeth during
application
of the paste, the paste may at least partially abrade surfaces of the teeth
and/or gums to at
least partially remove food particles, bacteria, plaque, and/or stains. If the
paste is basic
and/or includes basic compounds, at least a portion of the paste may interact
with at least
a portion of the acids present in a user's mouth to decrease the overall
and/or local acidity
in the user's mouth (e.g., by neutralizing at least a portion of the acids
present in the
user's mouth). In some implementations, if the paste includes probiotics, the
paste may
facilitate the dispersal of the probiotic in various regions of the mouth.
[051] In some implementations, the dental powder may be administered to a user
via a
dental powder solution. The dental powder solution may be provided to the user
as a
dental powder solution and/or the user may create the dental powder solution
prior to use.
When the dental powder solution includes probiotics, the shelf life of the
probiotics may
be extended by creating the dental powder solution prior to use (e.g., when
compared to a
pre-mixed dental powder solution provided to a user). The dental powder
solution may
be created by adding dental powder to a hydrating agent, such as water,
mouthwash,
and/or any other appropriate hydrating agent. The user may then gargle, swish,
and/or
otherwise move the dental powder solution around the user's mouth. By applying
the
dental powder solution to a user's mouth, the acidity of the mouth may be
decreased
(e.g., which may decrease cavities), the whiteness of the teeth may be
increased (e.g., by
gently abrading the surfaces of the teeth), and/or the health of the user's
mouth may be
17
. CA 02927041 2016-04-13
,
otherwise improved (e.g., when compared to not administering the dental powder
solution). The user may spit out the dental powder solution and/or consume the
dental
powder solution. Consuming at least a portion of the dental powder solution
may
provide an antacid properties to the gastrointestinal tract, may improve the
flora of the
gastrointestinal tract, and/or provide nutritional supplements (e.g., calcium
and/or
magnesium).
[052] In some implementations, the dental powder may be in solid bar form. A
user
may rub the solid bar on teeth and/or gums in a mouth. For example, a bar of
probiotic
dental powder may be formed with a substrate (e.g., inert immobilization agent
that could
include, but would not be limited to, low moisture glycerin-like compounds or
long chain
fatty acid soaps with a very low moisture content, etc.) and the dental powder
interspersed throughout the bar. For example, the bar may include a substrate
and one or
more compounds of a dental powder (e.g., dolomite, and/or a predetermined
blend of
isolated calcium carbonate and/or magnesium carbonate salts), and/or
probiotic.
[053] Figure 1 illustrates an implementation of an example dental hygiene
system 100.
The dental hygiene system includes a dental powder 110. A dental powder 110
may be
provided in a container 120. During use, a user may apply the dental powder
110 from
the container 120 to an applicator 130. In some implementations, at least a
portion of the
dental powder 110 applied to the applicator 130 may be retained on the
applicator, as
illustrated. For example, prior to applying the dental powder 110 to the
applicator 130,
the applicator may be hydrated with a hydrating agent. When the applicator 130
is at
least partially hydrated, the applicator may retain more of the applied dental
powder 110
(e.g., when compared to a dry applicator). At least a portion of the dental
powder 110
retained by the applicator may be transferred to a user's mouth during
application of the
dental powder to a user's mouth. For example, as the applicator strokes the
teeth and/or
gums of a user, at least a portion of the dental powder retained by the
applicator may be
transferred to the user's mouth.
18
= CA 02927041 2016-04-13
,
[054] In some implementations, the dental powder may reduce the impact of
consumption of acidic foods and/or acidic compounds produced by bacteria in
the mouth
(e.g., when compared with the impact on a user's mouth in which the dental
powder has
not been applied). By utilizing a basic dental powder, acidity in a user's
mouth may be
reduced. In addition, in some implementations, probiotics in the dental powder
may
promote healthy flora in the user's mouth, which may reduce the acidic
compounds (e.g.,
reduce the acidity and/or quantity of acidic compounds) produced by the
organisms (e.g.,
bacteria and/or yeast) in the user's mouth.
[055] In some implementations, a probiotic dental powder may be enclosed.
Enclosing
the probiotic dental powder may inhibit sunlight, moisture, and/or air
exposure for the
probiotic and/or increase the life of the probiotic (e.g., decrease the number
of dead
probiotic organisms prior to use when compared with unenclosed probiotic
deodorants).
The probiotic dental powder may be enclosed in a removable package. For
example, a
solid that includes the dental powder bar may be disposed in a removable
package, such
as a box with a removable lid. As another example, a probiotic dental powder
may be
disposed in ajar with a removable lid. In some implementations, a paste with a
probiotic
dental powder may be disposed in a tube (e.g., with a flip-top lid, screwing
lid, open with
a pump type applicator, and/or any other appropriate type of container).
[056] In some implementations, to increase shelf-life and/or to increase the
amount of
live bacteria that may be applied to a mouth of a user, during use, a
probiotic dental
hygiene system (e.g., a dental hygiene system that includes probiotics) may be
stored in a
predetermined temperature range (e.g., in a refrigerator or chiller). In some
implementations, the probiotic dental hygiene system may be shelf stable at
room
temperature in predetermined temperatures (e.g., 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit).
[057] In some implementations, the dental powder (e.g., container including
dental
powder) and/or at least a portion of the dental hygiene system that includes
the dental
powder (e.g., toothpaste that includes dental powder) may be maintained at a
first
temperature range during manufacturing, sale, and/or resale (e.g.,
refrigerated). In some
19
CA 02927041 2016-04-13
=
implementations, the dental powder and/or at least a portion of the dental
hygiene system
that includes the dental powder may be maintained at a second temperature
range by a
user. The second temperature range may be different or the same as the first
temperature
range. In some implementations, a probiotic dental powder may be refrigerated
prior to
sale and stored at room temperature by users. Maintaining the probiotic dental
powder at
the second temperature range may or may not impact the amount of live
probiotic
delivered to an area during application of the dental hygiene system.
[058] The dental powder and/or dental hygiene system may be provided with a
date of
expiration, in some implementations. Use of the dental hygiene system that
includes
probiotics after the provided expiration date may deliver less than a
predetermined
minimum amount of probiotic to an area of application.
[059] In some implementations, a dental hygiene system may include an
effective
amount of bismuth subsalicylate to treat periodontitis. For example, the
dental hygiene
system may administer less than approximately 2 g of bismuth subsalicylate
daily. In
some implementations, the dental hygiene system may topically administer
(e.g., apply to
the teeth and/or gums, brush onto teeth and/or gums, etc.) approximately 200
mg to
approximately 500 mg per use. The dental hygiene system may be for topical
application
to treat periodontitis. For example, the dental hygiene system may include a
dental
powder with bismuth subsalicylate that is applied (e.g., topically) to the
teeth and/or
gums of a user's mouth. The dental powder may be granular. The dental powder
may
include a first composition that includes at least one of calcium and/or
magnesium. The
dental powder may include one or more probiotics. In some implementations, the
dental
powder may include one or more third compositions such as flavorings, binders,
consumable solvents (e.g., to create a mouthwash solution), herbs (e.g., to
promote mouth
health and/or treat mouth conditions), and/or other appropriate compounds.
[060] In some implementations, the dental hygiene system may be administered
(e.g.,
applied by brushing, gargling, etc.) once a day or multiple times a day, as
appropriate.
For example, the dental hygiene system may be administered based on an
individual's
CA 02927041 2016-04-13
personalized brushing schedule, ordinary tooth brushing schedules, after
meals, upon
awaking, prior to sleeping, and/or other appropriate schedules. When the
dental powder
and/or other portions of the dental hygiene system are for consumption (e.g.,
after
brushing or gargling), the maximum quantity of the dental hygiene system
administered
may be predetermined based on industry (e.g., information from journals)
and/or
governmental regulations (e.g., US FDA regulations). For example, the amount
of
magnesium may not exceed approximately 1600 mg (e.g., to inhibit
gastrointestinal
problems). The amount of calcium administered daily may not exceed
approximately
2500 mg, in some implementations. The amount of bismuth subsalicylate
administered
daily may not exceed approximately 2 g, in some implementations.
[061] In some implementations, the dental hygiene system may be single step
and/or
multi-step. For example, a single step dental powder may include compound(s)
with
calcium, magnesium, bismuth subsalicylate, probiotics, and/or third compounds
(e.g.,
flavorings, binders, herbs, etc.). The single step dental powder may be
applied to the
user's mouth for administration. In some implementations, an application may
be
utilized to apply the single step dental powder. For example, a hydrating
agent may be
applied to the applicator, the dental powder may be applied to the hydrated
applicator,
and the dental powder may be applied to a user's mouth (e.g., by brushing the
dental
powder onto teeth and/or gums).
[062] In some implementations, components of the dental hygiene system may be
in the
dental powder, the applicator, and/or the hydrating agent. For example, a
first dental
hygiene system may include a dental powder with a first compound (e.g.,
calcium and/or
magnesium) and/or bismuth subsalicylate. A second dental powder and/or
mouthwash
may include probiotics, and may be used before and/or after the application of
the first
dental powder. In some implementations, a first dental powder and/or a
mouthwash may
include bismuth subsalicylate. A second dental powder may include a first
compound
(e.g., calcium and/or magnesium) and/or probiotics and may be applied to the
user's
mouth before and/or after application of the bismuth subsalicylate.
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CA 02927041 2016-04-13
[063] In some implementations, the dental hygiene system may be multi-step.
For
example, the dental hygiene system may be a kit with one or more dental
powders. A
user may select a dental powder for application from the kit based on the
content of the
dental powder and/or the health of the user's mouth. For example, a first
dental powder
may be associated with treating periodontitis and may include bismuth
subsalicylate. The
first dental powder may also include calcium, magnesium, probiotics, and/or
other
compounds (e.g., flavorings, binders, fluoride, herbs, and/or other
appropriate
compounds). A second dental powder may be associated with maintaining mouth
health
and include probiotics (e.g., in addition to other compounds or alone). A
third dental
powder may be granular and include calcium and/or magnesium to improve
whiteness.
Other dental powders may include other combinations as appropriate and may
promote
the same or other benefits. The user may select one or more of the dental
powders for
user together or separately. For example, a user may select the first dental
powder that
includes bismuth subsalicylate to treat periodontitis and then switch to a
second dental
powder that does not include bismuth subsalicylate once the periodontitis has
improved
(e.g., compared to the periodontitis prior to application of the first dental
powder over a
predetermined time period). In some implementations, the user may select a
third dental
powder that includes calcium and/or magnesium for use in the morning and a
second
dental powder that includes probiotics for use at other times. In some
implementations, a
user may select a third dental powder that includes granular calcium and/or
magnesium
and switch to a second dental powder that does not include granular calcium
and/or
magnesium once a user's teeth has become a selected level of whiteness. Other
combinations may also be utilized with the dental hygiene systems, as
appropriate.
[064] Although users have been described as a human, a user may be a person or
a
group of people. For example, a first user may apply the dental powder to a
second
user's mouth. In some implementations, a first user may apply the dental
powder to a
second user that is a pet or other animal. For example, a first user (e.g.,
pet owner,
veterinarian, pet groomer, etc.) may apply the dental powder, as described
herein, to a
dog's mouth or cat's mouth. Applying the dental powder to an animal's mouth
may
22
= CA 02927041 2016-04-13
increase whiteness of teeth, inhibit cavities, improve flora, and/or otherwise
promote
hygiene, in various implementations.
1065] It is to be understood the implementations are not limited to particular
systems or
processes described which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood
that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
implementations only,
and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification, the
singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates
otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a substrate" includes a combination of two or
more
substrates and reference to "a probiotic" includes different types and/or
combinations of
probiotics.
[066] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should
be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made
herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by
the appended
claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be
limited to the
particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of
matter,
means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary
skill in the
art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines,
manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later
to be
developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized
according to
the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within
their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,
means,
methods, or steps.
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